Tips to Handle a Late Standpipe Requirement?

9/18/2023

Hello everyone. Looking to get some feedback on a building under construction.

I have a 3-story condo building with 4 stairwells, protected by an NFPA 13 sprinkler system. The condo building is exterior access via corridor which connects the stairwells and is about 20 units total.

There is a single fire sprinkler riser that enters one of the stairwells at the corner of the building and goes vertical to serve all levels. Overall, fairly typical.

Currently, the building is nearing the end of construction and they’re installing drywall.

However, a new Fire Inspector is asking for “more standpipes”, despite the fact that the building does not have standpipes, nor are standpipes required (3 stories, none below grade, and below height threshold to the top floor, etc.) The reason he is requiring them is because he is saying per NFPA 14, you cannot exceed ~200 feet in between standpipes. However, because the building does not require standpipes in the first place, this code section does not seem to make sense.

Of course, I know the AHJ is allowed to require things above and beyond the code but my big issue is that the building is about 80% complete now, and he asked for this on a typical inspection. The design criteria, FP shop drawings, civil plan, etc. were all approved by other inspectors/ AHJ / Reviewers, and has been for a couple of years.

I noticed he seems to be intermixing the word “Standpipe” and “Fire Riser” frequently which makes conversations more difficult. Just looking for some other opinions on this issue and I appreciate any input at all.

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3 Comments

Dan Wilder

9/18/2023 07:47:34 am

Last part first....an AHJ can ask for above the minimum once adopted, they cannot arbitrarily (individually or as a whole) ask for items above their legislatively or regulatory processes as voted on and adopted for all codes, standards, interpretations, and amendments.

First part last- NFPA 14 is only a standard on how to provide compliance with the design and installation of a standpipe system when required, not if it is required or not. That requirement would fall to the adopted building/fire codes for your specific project (building height, occupancy type, fire department access, egress, local adopted modifications as adopted).

Without knowing the specifics concerning allowances or trade-offs taken on the building code side, if none of the building falls into the requirements of Section 905 then no standpipes are required. This construction may fall into R-2 or R-3 depending on unit separation which both have some requirements, but standpipes typically aren't one of them.

Good write up below:
https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/standpipes-for-fire-suppression-an-introduction

Todd E Wyatt

9/19/2023 08:28:24 am

Dan explained very well the difference between the scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) and the "Referenced Codes and Standards" (e.g. NFPA 14-2016 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose System).

Unless specifically adopted by the jurisdiction, the application of "Referenced Codes and Standards" included in the adopted scoping Code "shall (ONLY) be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference." Nothing more. Nothing less.

IBC-2021 references NFPA 14-2016 (4) times : 905.2, 905.3.4, 905.4.2, 905.8.

REFERENCES
IBC - 2021
CHAPTER35
REFERENCED STANDARDS
User note:
About this chapter: The International Building Code contains numerous references to standards promulgated by other organizations that are used to provide requirements for materials and methods of construction. This chapter contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in this code. These standards, in essence, are part of this code to the extent of the reference to the standard.
This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed herein by the promulgating agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section or sections of this document that reference the standard. The application of the referenced standards shall be as specified in Section 102.4.

NFPA
14—16 : Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose System
905.2, 905.3.4, 905.4.2, 905.8

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration
Section 102 Applicability
102.4 Referenced Codes and Standards
The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 and 102.4.2.
102.4.1 Conflicts
Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
102.4.2 Provisions in Referenced Codes and Standards
Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code or the International Codes specified in Section 101.4, the provisions of this code or the International Codes specified in Section 101.4, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard.

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 905 Standpipe Systems
905.2 Installation Standard
Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14. Fire department connections for standpipe systems shall be in accordance with Section 912.
905.3 Required Installations
905.3.4 Stages
Stages greater than 1,000 square feet in area (93 m2) shall be equipped with a Class III wet standpipe system with 11/2-inch and 21/2-inch (38 mm and 64 mm) hose connections on each side of the stage.
Exception: Where the building or area is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, a 11/2-inch (38 mm) hose connection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 or in accordance with NFPA 14 for Class II or III standpipes.
905.4 Location of Class I Standpipe Hose Connections
905.4.2 Interconnection
In buildings where more than one standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected in accordance with NFPA 14.
905.6 Location of Class III Standpipe Hose Connections
905.6.2 Interconnection
In buildings where more than one Class III standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected in accordance with NFPA 14.
905.8 Dry Standpipes
Dry standpipes shall not be installed.
Exception: Where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14.

Conrad

9/20/2023 01:09:38 pm

Assuming the roof has no occupied space, I would request a meeting with the fire inspector and the fire plan reviewer. In the request, clearly explain the code sections you are using to exclude standpipes from the building.

Tips to Handle a Late Standpipe Requirement?

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